Help: Purchasing a Computer Workstation

[Lance Ametza]

Hi creative content designers, film makers, and IT specialists! I'm looking to purchase a quality workstation computer for post-production work, and game development. I've already done some online browsing on various sites: newegg, hp, lenovo, gateway, asus, dell, wallmart, bestbuy, ibuypower, alienware etc. and have come up quite short in my search for a tower computer that would be great for my needs. Because there are a lot of computers out there I don't know where to begin. Considering the fact that I'm not an IT specialist, or a veteran in the entertainment industry I need some help in getting some ground in my search for a computer to purchase. Can any of you perhaps recommend any great buys? computers? or wether I should buy parts to build one myself, purchase a pre-built computer, or buy one from a site that allows you to configure computers parts. Saving money on a computer is definitely a big concern of mine, while maintaining power for visually intensive applications. 

Thank you in advanced Second Lifer's for your insightful knowledge and help.

~ Lance Ametza

 

 

[Jennifer Boyle]

I don't think you'd go wrong with an Intel X79 motherboard, second generation core i7 processor, 16 GB fast RAM, GTX 680 video card, SSD for programs, and a suitable power supply.  That's what I have, except that I have a GTX 580, and SL runs significantly better than it did omn my previous computer, which was a pretty good computer.  If you can't find what you want, there are Web sites, including Dell and HP, where you can choose from lists and they will build to order.

[Dilbert Dilweg]

The first time I purchased a pre build computer and how much it was lacking in power compared to the price was outrageous. ever since i have built my own.

I never been to school for it . You may consider buying the compnants and putting one together ( it is easier than many think).  But if that is not an option . I would look more for a gaming PC created by a company that specializes in building machines for high performance. But that gets costly

3 things to consider

• Having 8 gigs or ram or more
• Quad core CPU or better
• High performance video card

I recently got a 6 core fx series CPU AMD and a Sweet biostar ta990xe Motherboard + 8 gigs or ram for 300 dollars  (newegg)

[Lance Ametza]

Would you say that building a computer by hand is more cost effective than buying a pre-built computer or a gaming rig? 

[Dilbert Dilweg]

Yes Most deffinately

You get more bang for your buck

Newegg also has some barebones backages

[Lance Ametza]

I found this computer online that meets most of my wants and what I intend to use it for. But as far as the graphics card and power supply go, I am a little concerned. For this price and with these specs it's difficult to find another option that will even come close or top it as far as the price range goes. Once again I'm no computer technician, but I'm curious if the graphics card and power supply can be upgraded to something better? Also, if the graphics card is powerful enough to run second life on high performance without any problems, as well as other graphic intensive programs, and games

hhttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883220154

From the looks of it there are much lower spec computers, say...Intel core i5, 16 GB RAM, 1 - 2TB Hard drive, with possibly even better graphics cards than the computer I listed and much cheaper in price.  I'm not sure which options I should go with. Lastly, thank you for helping me get closer to my goal in choosing a new high end computer. Hopefully my search will be narrowed down to the best bang for my buck, wants and needs. :matte-motes-smile:

[Ormand Lionheart]

Make sure your hard drive is 7200 rpm or capturing video could be a huge problem. A GTX 460 and up is easily sufficient for SL even with shadows.